"Louise is not the kind of
a child to get lost easily."
"So I say," added Carl.
"Then somebody has stolen her like Charlie Ross, and I'll never see
her again."
"It is too soon to despair, dearie," said Aunt Zelie, as Bess looked
ready to cry.
"Suppose we have some dinner, and then if we hear nothing in the
meantime, I'll go to the Armstrongs' and try to find a clue to start
with," said Mr. Hazeltine.
It was not a cheerful meal, in spite of Aunt Zelie's effort to hide
her anxiety and talk of other things. It seemed as if Louise's bright
face must appear each minute; but dinner was over and no word of her.
The snow was falling fast when Carl and his father started out. Little
John could tell them nothing more than that Louise had been there for
an hour, and then said she must go, as there was something she wanted
to do. He watched her out of the gate and thought she went home.
"It is a great puzzle," said Carl when they were on the street again.
"It is indeed," his father replied, looking up and down irresolutely.
"Are you worried? What do you think can have happened to her?"
"I don't know, my son; yes, I am very much worried. I wish William was
not away from home. I think, perhaps, the best thing I can do is to
see Roberts.
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